Nursing is once again excluded from the federal list of professional diplomas
Nursing is excluded from the federal list of professional degrees and impacts student loans. Advocates are pushing for change amid a nursing shortage.
As a resident of District 4, I am dismayed to learn of the adoption of an AI chatbot to answer district phone calls. (“Detroit uses AI to help the city answer residents’ phone calls“, Detroit Free Press, December 19) The use of generative AI technology raises serious questions about data privacy and information accuracy, as well as the amount of energy required to maintain the data centers required by these AI services. These questions are not adequately addressed by organizations integrating AI into their daily operations.
According to many experts and analysts, generative AI remains a very speculative science, even if it is presented as a panacea by the technology industry. Look no further than the controversial data center planned for Saline Township to understand how divisive it remains. Detroiters do not need another expensive municipal technology that lacks built-in accountability measures. They need real people on the other end of the line, committed to lasting, holistic reform – even if it takes time.
Megan Summers
Detroit
I was disappointed by the MPSC vote on data centers
I was beyond disappointed to see the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approve a massive new data center in Saline. (“Michigan regulators approve DTE deal for huge data center“, Detroit Free Press, December 18)
The rapid construction of data centers in Michigan and across the country presents one of the greatest challenges of this generation. Instead of addressing Michigan residents’ concerns about nearly unfathomable energy consumption (enough to power more than the city of Detroit), the risks of water pollution and the near certainty that our utility bills will increase, MPSC rushed this approval, perhaps because Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was in the tank for the project from day one. The spotlight now turns to state environmental regulators, as the project needs wetlands permits to move forward. Hopefully they are more concerned about Michiganders than the tech billionaires at Oracle and Open AI.
Alex Beauchamp
This letter writer is the Northern Region Director of Food & Water Watch. and a resident of Grosse Pointe Farms
Nursing must be a professional degree
Michigan nurses are angry that a the nursing diploma is no longer considered a professional diploma.
Nursing has been excluded from the Department of Education’s list of “professional diploma” programs – a decision that has serious consequences for the nursing profession and for patients’ access to care.
The ministry is considering recommendations that cap federal loan amounts for post-baccalaureate nursing students at half the level offered to medical students. This proposal would limit access to higher education, worsen the faculty shortage, and jeopardize the pool of advanced practice nurses that our country urgently needs.
As a former professor of nursing at the University of Michigan, I urge you to contact the Department of Education (400 Maryland Ave SW, DC 20202) to ensure nursing is recognized as a professional degree. I hope you will use your voice to protect the future of nursing.
Mary Bridget Killeen, PhD, retired registered nurse.
Howell
There is no “war on Christmas”
Pamela Hilliard-Owens’ article is a welcome antidote to the manufactured outrage over a ‘war on Christmas’. (“There is no “war on Christmas.” Other public holidays exist“, Detroit Free Press, December 15). My mother always sent cards saying “Christmas Greetings” to our friends who celebrated Christmas, and no one complained. If someone says Merry Christmas to me, I don’t get upset and yell about a “war on Hanukkah.” Happy Winter Solstice Celebrations!
Cynthia I. Brody
Beverly Hills
Sibley Prairie is worth saving
I am writing in response to Patrick Lin Huerd’s letter regarding efforts to preserve 440 acres in Brownstown Township, known as Sibley Prairie. (“Sibley Prairie is a waste of money“, Detroit Free Press, November 30.)
Sibley Prairie is the highest quality remnant of a globally rare ecosystem known as lake prairie, as documented in the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Less than 1% of this ecosystem remains. The proposed purchase price reflects its appraised value and not an arbitrary valuation. Although part of the property contains high-quality wetlands – important for flood control, water quality and wildlife habitat – Sibley Prairie is much more than that.
This landscape is part of a region described by The Nature Conservancy as one of the “Last great places” and has been a conservation priority, including for the DNR, for more than 30 years. Preserving and restoring Sibley Prairie would give future generations a rare opportunity to experience what southeast Michigan looked like before development.
Jeff Vornhagen
This letter writer resides in Ann Arbor and is a member of the Michigan Botanical Society.
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